Race Prep Series planned at Midland Community Center

Published
9:00 am EDT, Monday, March 14, 2011

Sometimes in life, no matter the topic, taking that first step toward any kind of self-improvement is the most difficult. As a personal trainer and avid runner, Gigi McIntyre has seen firsthand some of the mental obstacles and lack of fitness knowledge that keeps people on the sidelines.

“Often times people want to run but they don’t know how to go about it or where to turn for help,” McIntyre, of the Midland Community Center, said. “It’s easier if you have training partners and some guidance, especially if you’re a novice.”

McIntyre is leading a Race Prep Series at the MCC designed to get people properly trained to participate in the 26th annual Midland Community Center’s Dow Run Walk, scheduled for June 4. Sponsored by the MCC and MidMichigan Medical Center, the program, which runs from March 16 to June 1, is designed for novice and experienced runners alike.

“Beginners can learn how to properly train for their first 5k or 10k races and veteran runners can challenge themselves to run a personal best on race day on June 4,” McIntyre said.

Walkers also are encouraged to participate, as they too will get personalized instruction, McIntyre said. Fitness professionals will be on hand to share insight on proper training, stretching, selecting the right shoes, proper running form, nutrition and increasing mileage gradually.

McIntyre said the program primarily attracts novices, “which is fine because a big part of what we’re trying to do is get people who aren’t into fitness started.”

The prep series begins on Wednesday at 6 p.m. and participants will continue to meet every Wednesday at the community center for fitness and tutelage. Each session lasts from 75 to 90 minutes and includes presentations by local health and wellness professionals on topics ranging from yoga for athletes, nutrition and hydration and gait analysis, to resistance training and avoiding injury. Program cost is $25 for 12 sessions, plus a training shirt.

The sessions include the classroom time and time allotted for running and walking, McIntyre said.

“It’s fun and it’s informative,” she said. “All participants will be training with a certified trainer.”

But don’t think training only one day or week is going to get you ready for race day.

“We provide participants with a training program to follow during the week,” McIntyre said, “one that is tailored to the particular event they want to do at the Dow RunWalk.”

For enrollment or additional information, call the Community Center at (989) 832-7937.